Men’s urinary problems best treated by a urologist

It’s difficult enough getting men to see a primary care physician, let alone a urologist. But there are certain conditions involving urological health that are preferably treated by a urologist for the best results.

Urologists are a type of medical doctor specializing in the male and female urinary tract system and the male reproductive organs with extensive training in diagnosing and treating medically related problems of this region of the body.   For men, urologists can accurately diagnose and treat issues affecting the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate gland, penis, and urethra.

Normally, when the urinary system is working well, it’s easy to take it for granted, especially when young. But urinary problems become fairly common in men once past the age of 50.  Increased urinary frequency and urgency or trouble starting a urine stream, are common issues for older men. That’s why establishing a relationship with a urologist is a wise investment in a man’s urological health for if and when the time comes to address a potentially serious problem.

Urological symptoms men should not ignore

Signs of an issue with urological health in men may be noticeable or sometimes symptomless. Knowing symptoms possibly pointing to a urological problem is important for men to be aware of.  The sooner any issue involving urological health is diagnosed and treated, the greater the chance of a successful outcome. Here are symptoms men should watch for and seek the advice of a urologist for:

• Cloudy or smelly urine or urine with blood in it (hematuria)
• Pain or burning when urinating, possibly indicating a urinary tract infection or even a kidney stone
• Frequent need to urinate or difficulty in starting a urine stream (possibly benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)
• Incontinence
• Severe constipation
• Achieving or maintaining an erection adequate for sexual intercourse
• Difficulty with fertility
• Abnormal prostate exam
• Testicular mass such as a lump or bump

Common urological health problems in men

Here are some of the most common bladder/urinary problems in men in which a urologist can help with:

• Urinary incontinence

Having urinary incontinence is when a man has an involuntary loss of urine.  This might occur if a man sneezes, coughs, or even when lifting a heavy object.  It can also be associated with the involuntary urge to urinate which is known as urge incontinence or if a man has a constant dribble of urine known as overflow incontinence.

• Damaged nerves in the urinary tract

If nerves in the urinary tract have been damaged, this may affect a man’s bladder control by interrupting the nerve signals required for bladder control.  Damage to these nerves can result from diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury.

• Overactive bladder

An overactive bladder is when a man will have a sudden urge to urinate.  The urge may be so strong that it can be very difficult for a man to stop it which can lead to the involuntary loss of urine.  This can be an embarrassing ordeal for a man which could lead to him limiting his work or social life.

• Prostate problems

The prostate is a gland about the size of a golf ball surrounding the urethra, the tube which carries urine from the bladder out of the body.  The prostate gland adds fluid to semen before ejaculation.  As men get older, it is common for the prostate gland to enlarge, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).  When the prostate enlarges, it will squeeze the urethra which will affect the urine stream causing it to become weak along with increasing the urgency to use a bathroom, especially during the night.

• Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is usually asymptomatic.  The best way for a man to know for sure is to have a prostate-specific antigen blood test conducted yearly, beginning at age 40.

Seeing a urologist

A man experiencing any of the above urinary issues should see a urologist in order to find out the reason for the problem.  They will take a detailed medical history asking several questions about medications taken and all medical conditions a man may have.

It is not uncommon for a urologist to ask for a voiding diary, in which a man will record his fluid intake, how many trips to the bathroom within a day, and a number of leakage episodes.  A digital rectal exam may be conducted to examine the prostate size and condition.  Additional tests may be required before a definitive diagnosis can be made